CIVIL PROCEDURE

BENCHBOOK
 CONTENTS
Acknowledgement 5
Foreword 6
Sources Of Civil Procedure 6
Preliminary Matters Jurisdiction 6
Publicity Of Proceedings 7

Guidelines For Judges/Magistrates Presiding Over Matters 7
in Which One or More Of The Parties Is Self Represented

Acting Without Authority 8

Commencement Of Proceedings 9

Modes Of Commencing Actions 9

A. Writ of summons
B. Petition

Particulars Of Claim 9
Judgment Not To Exceed Claim 10
Equitable Relief, Counterclaim And Set- Off 10

Service Of Process 11
A. Time
B. Modes
• Substituted service
• Proof of service

Plaintiff out of jurisdiction 12
Venue and transfer 12
Transfer 12
Parties 13

Joinder, Non Joinder And Misjoinder Of Parties 14
Change Of Parties By Death Or Bankruptcy 14
Attendance Of Parties 14
Order To Arrest Absconding Defendant 15
Arrest Of Absconding Defendant 15
Deposit In Lieu Of Security 16
Written Statements Of Claim And Defence 16

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Amendment 17
Who Can Apply For Amendment? 17
Purpose Of Amendments 17
Principles For the Grant Of Leave To Amend 17

Effect Of Amendment 18
Dismissal Of Suit On Grounds Of Law 18
Payment Into Court 18
Undefended Suits 19

Interlocutory Proceedings 20
Interlocutory And Interim Injunctions 20
Interim Preservation Of Property 21
Order For Detention, Preservation Or Inspection Of Property 21
Proceedings At Trial 21
Attendance At Trial 21
Adjournments 21

The Order Of Giving Evidence 22
Exhibits 23
Evidence Generally 24
Delay And Discontinuance 24
Judgment 25

Civil Appeals 27
Interlocutory Appeals 27
Extension Of Time To Appeal In Civil Cases 28
Costs 28
Security For Costs 28
Power Of Review 28
Probate And Administration 29

A. Probate
B. Letters of administration
C. Letters of administration with will annexed
D. Administration

Probate of a will 31
Letters of administration 33
Persons resident outside the jurisdiction 33
Minors and persons with disability 33
Caveat 34

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Matrimonial Applications 35
Enforcement Of Custody, Access And Maintenance Orders 35
Receivers And Managers 35
Execution Of Judgement 36
General Principles 37
Modes Of Execution 37
A. Writ of fieri facias
B. Garnishee proceedings
C. Charging order
D. Appointment of a receiver
E. Summons to show cause
F. An order of committal from the high court.

Enforcement of Judgment For Possession of Immovableproperty 38

Enforcement of Judgment For Delivery of Goods 39
Enforcement of Judgment To Do Or Abstain From Doing An Act 39
Interpleader Proceedings 40
Sheriff’s Interpleader 40
Mode And Procedure Of Interpleader Suit 40
Time 41
Non-Working Days 41
Definition Of Month 41
Reference 41

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Many people and partners assisted in diverse ways to the realization of this
project for the provision of bench books for the District Courts and hand
books for the support staff of the courts.

The Judiciary and the Judicial Service of Ghana singles out the Royal Danish
Embassy and in particular DANIDA, for appreciation, for their invaluable
partnership and support without which these publications would not have
been completed. Their commitment to the advancement and improvement in
justice delivery in Ghana is highly appreciated.

Special thanks and appreciation also go to Her Ladyship, the Chief Justice of
Ghana, the Chairman and Board of Judicial Training Institute (JTI), for their
support and encouragement for the project.

A word of acknowledgment and appreciation for the able assistance provided

by His Lordship, Justice S. A. Brobbey of the Supreme Court of Ghana, who
moderated the validation workshop made up of sixteen (16) Judges and
Magistrates with the requisite experience of the Magisterial bench, drawn
from all the Regions of Ghana for their significant inputs into the manual.

We are also indebted to Her Ladyship Gertrude Torkornoo and Ms. Sandra
Thompson, (Director, Judicial Reforms and Projects) who did the proof
reading; Jacob Soung, Mabel Ahele, Fati Abukari, Hannah Edzii and Sophia
Okine, all staff of JTI for their various contributions to make this a reality.
The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) Ghana, deserves our highest
commendation and appreciation for their professional role in ably
coordinating the drafting of all the manuals for the Civil Procedure, Criminal
Procedure, Juvenile Court and Family Tribunal bench books.

Special thanks to the Ag. Director of Judicial Training Institute (JTI), Justice of
the Court of Appeal, Justice J. B. Akamba, for the leadership role he played in
the development of the manual and for his tireless effort to see this project to
a successful end.

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 FOREWORD
As part of the efforts to make justice delivery more efficient, the Judicial
Training Institute (JTI) on behalf of the Judiciary and the Judicial Service of
Ghana has developed this bench book as a guide to District Magistrates in the
performance of their judicial duties.

The effort to produce a guide of this kind underscores the fact that the work
of a District Magistrate comprises a significant portion of the work load of our
courts.

We are mindful of the fact that the bench book may not embody all the
essential guidelines covering all areas critical to the functions of the District
Court. We remain convinced however, that it will serve as a beneficial starting
point and a basis for standardizing practice in the operations of courtroom
work in our District Courts.

We hope that all Magistrates will diligently study and apply the guidelines
contained therein alongside the new District Court rules as well as other
relevant legislations and regulations such as the Juvenile Justice Act and
Practice Directions.

We trust that this benchbook will serve the District Court very well.

Ag. Director,
Judicial Training Institute (JTI)

May, 2011
Accra

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SOURCES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

The main sources for the procedure to be followed in civil cases by the District
Courts are the following:

• District Court Rules (C1 59)

• Statute creating District Courts – Courts Act 1993, Act 459 as amended
• The 1992 Constitution
• Other Statutes such as Juvenile Justice Act 2003, Children’s Act 1998,
Act 560, Domestic Violence Act, 2007, Act 732.
• Decisions of Superior Courts on Procedure and Practice
• f. Practice Directions

The C.I 59 is a subsidiary legislation made by the Rules of Court Committee

pursuant to Article 157 (2) of the 1992 Constitution. The CI 59 is the first
source to guide a magistrate as to the procedure to follow in civil cases. The
language is simple and clear and usually does not need much interpretation. In
the unlikely event that it is silent on the procedure to be followed then, the next
recourse should be to other statutes such as the High Court (Civil Procedure)
Rules (2004) CI 47. When in doubt about the meaning of a procedure laid down
in the CI 59, decided cases on the issue by the superior courts, preferably by the
Supreme Court should be looked at for guidance.

Practice Directions do not have the force of law and in case of conflict,
statute must prevail. They cannot supercede the first four mentioned sources,
notwithstanding the fact that they may come from the Chief Justice or the
proper authority.

PRELIMINARY MATTERS
JURISDICTION

The Courts Act (1993), Act 459, section 47(1) grants the District Court civil
jurisdiction in the following cases:-

a. All personal actions arising under contract or tort for the recovery
of any liquidated sum not exceeding five thousand Ghana cedis (Gh¢
5000.00).
b. Injunction or orders to stay waste and preserve property, restrain
breaches of contract or the commission of any tort.
c. Claims for relief by interpleader
d. Matters relating to landlord and tenant
e. Actions relating to ownership, possession or occupation of land with

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 value not exceeding five thousand Ghana cedis (Gh¢ 5000.00).
f. Divorce and other matrimonial causes, paternity and custody of
children.
g. Application for grant of probate or letters of administration.
h. Charges and matters affecting juveniles (i.e. under 18 years).
i. Matters relating to maintenance of children (when sitting as a Family
Tribunal)

The CI 59 provides guidance for the operations of the district court and is to be
interpreted to:

a. Achieve speedy and effective justice

b. Avoid delays and unnecessary expense
c. Ensure complete, effective and final determination of disputes and
d. Avoid multiplicity of actions. [see Order 1 rule 1 (2) of C I 59]

PUBLICITY OF PROCEEDINGS
All proceedings of the court shall be in public except otherwise prescribed
by law. Reasons shall be stated in the record book where for any reason
proceedings are to be held in camera.

REPRESENTATION

i. A public officer may represent any of the following:

a. The Republic
b. The President
c. The Government
d. A Government employee

i. A party without legal representation and unable to attend court may be

represented by his chosen representative.
ii. A plaintiff may sue in a representative capacity.

GUIDELINES FOR JUDGES/MAGISTRATES PRESIDING

OVER MATTERS IN WHICH ONE OR MORE OF THE
PARTIES IS SELF REPRESENTED

1. A judge/magistrate should ensure as far as is possible that procedural

fairness is afforded to all parties whether represented or appearing in
person in order to ensure a fair trial.
2. A judge/magistrate should inform the litigant in person of the manner in
which the trial is to proceed, the order of calling witnesses and the right

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 which he or she has to cross examine the witnesses.
3. A judge/magistrate should explain to the litigant in person any
procedures relevant to the litigation.
4. A judge/magistrate should generally assist the litigant in person by
taking basic information from witnesses called, such as name, address
and occupation.
5. If a change in the normal procedure is requested by the other parties
such as the calling of witnesses out of turn the judge/magistrate may,
if he/she considers that there is any serious possibility of such a change
causing any injustice to a litigant in person, explain to unrepresented
party the effect and perhaps the undesirability of the interposition of
witnesses and his or her right to object to that course.
6. A judge/magistrate may provide general advice to a litigant in person
that he or she has the right to object to inadmissible evidence, and to
inquire whether he or she so objects. A Judge is not obliged to provide
advice on each occasion that particular question or documents arise.
7. If a question is asked, or evidence is sought to be tendered in respect of
which the litigant in person has a possible claim of privilege, to inform
the litigant of his or her rights.
8. A judge/magistrate should attempt to clarify the substance of the
submissions of the litigant in person, especially in cases where, because
of garrulous or misconceived advocacy, the substantive issues are either
ignored, given little attention or obfuscated- (Neil v Nott (1994) 121
ALR 148 at 150).
9. Where the interests of justice and the circumstances of the case requires
it, a judge/magistrate may:
• Draw attention to the law applied by the court in determining
issues before it.
• Question witnesses;
• Identify applications or submissions which ought to be put to the
court;
• Suggest procedural steps that may be taken by a party;
• Clarify the particulars of the orders sought by a litigant in person
or the bases for such orders.
• Source: Diana Bryant, Chief Justice – Family Court of Australia

ACTING WITHOUT AUTHORITY

Where an action is commenced without authority the court shall either dismiss
the action or require the plaintiff to indemnify the person in whose name the
action was unlawfully commenced.

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COMMENCEMENT OF PROCEEDINGS
The CI 59 provides in its first schedule forms for use to commence proceeding.
These forms may be varied where necessary. Where there is none, the registrar
is authorized by the court to design a suitable one for use.

MODES OF COMMENCING ACTIONS

a) Writ of Summons
These are easily filled out because of the blank spaces provided and the
information needed are stated thereon. Every action commenced by a
writ of summons must have a plaintiff and defendant. It is important to
note that a writ cannot be altered without leave of the court and although
a writ is valid for twelve months, the court may upon application (before
it expires) extend it for a period not exceeding twelve months at a time.

Where the person does not sue in his personal capacity, the capacity in
which he sues is usually endorsed on the writ. e.g. actions by trustees
and representative. Where a person is given a power of attorney, the
action should be in the name of the donor. The practice has been to
state that the person sues per his lawful attorney. Failure to so state this
on the writ does not offend the rules. What is important is the tendering
of the power of attorney during the trial.

b) Petition
In the District Court proceedings for divorce, child custody, paternity
and maintenance are commenced by filling the appropriate forms in the
Second Schedule. In a divorce case, the parties are referred to as the
petitioner and respondent.

PARTICULARS OF CLAIM
1. The plaintiff must state his or her claim briefly in the writ of summons
and deliver same to the registrar. The particulars of the plaintiff’s
demand must give the defendant sufficient information on the details
of the claim.
2. The plaintiff shall deliver to the registrar as many copies of the
particulars as there are defendants.
3. An illiterate plaintiff shall procure an agent to reduce his particulars or
narrative into writing.
4. Form 1 of the first schedule shall, where appropriate, be used for the
written narrative to furnish the particulars which shall be signed by the
plaintiff or his agent.
5. (See Order 3 of CI 59)
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JUDGMENT NOT TO EXCEED CLAIM
The court shall not give judgment in excess of the sum claimed unless the
particulars are amended to accord with the evidence led.

EQUITABLE RELIEF, COUNTERCLAIM AND SET- OFF

a. The 1992 Constitution defines the laws of Ghana as comprising the
Constitution, enactments made by or under the authority of parliament,
the existing law, the common law and any orders, rules and regulations
made by any person or authority under a power conferred by the
Constitution. [Article 11(1) of the Constitution (1992)]
b. The common law of Ghana comprises the rules generally known as the
common law, the rules generally known as the doctrines of equity, and
the rules of customary law. [Article 11(2) of the Constitution (1992)]
c. Examples of equitable reliefs or remedies are specific performance,
injunctions, rescission, delivery up and cancellation of documents,
appointment of receivers and order of accounts.
d. An equitable relief may be granted where the facts stated and proved in
the suit entitles the plaintiff to it even if not specifically asked for.
e. A counterclaim is a cross-action. It is the defendant’s ‘statement of
claim’ and where one is filed, the plaintiff will have to file his defence to
it.
f. A set-off is also a pleading by way of defence to the whole or part of the
plaintiff’s claim. The defendant acknowledges the plaintiff’s demand
but sets up one which counterbalances it. Any amount must be set off
at the time of the issue of the writ.
• A defendant must lodge a notice of a counterclaim or a set-off
with the registrar.
• Since a counterclaim or a set-off is a claim by the defendant, rules
governing particulars of claim are applicable and appropriate fees
must be paid as if the claims were by writ of summons.
• If a counterclaim or a set-off cannot be conveniently disposed of
in the same action, the court may order a separate trial.[Order 15
rule 2(3) of CI 59]
• Where there is a defence of partial set-off, the court may order
the defendant to pay into court the amount he claims to be due
to the plaintiff.
• Where a counterclaim or a set-off is established, the court may
give judgment for the defendant if the balance is in his favour, or
award to the defendant a relief that he is entitled on the merits
of his case. [see Order 15 of CI 59]

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SERVICE OF PROCESS
The purpose of service is to give notice to the other party of proceedings
against him. Failure to serve is a fundamental defect and can lead to orders
of the court being set aside as a nullity. Using the required mode of service is
also important. Service is by the bailiff, other officer of the court or a person
authorized to do so by the court.

i) Time
Unless otherwise directed by the court, service of processes may be
made at a reasonable time usually between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on any day
with the exception of weekends and public holidays.

ii) Modes
• Personal
Service shall be personal unless otherwise provided by the rules.
• Service other than personal

The following are some instances of service other than personal:

• Service through a party’s lawyer
• Service through the parent or guardian of an infant or a person
with disability.
• Service on a partner or at principal place of business where the
party is a firm.
• Service through the occupant or regent where the party is a
stool.
• Service through the head of family where the party is a family.
• Service through the administrative head where the party is a
Ministry or Government department.
• Service on the one in charge of a prison or detention facility
where the party is a prisoner. The process may be left with a
warder or similar officer if the head is not available.
• Service on member of parliament through the clerk of parliament.

• Substituted Service
This is the most frequently used form of non personal service. A party
may seek leave of court for substituted service with or without an
attempt at personal service having been made. The court may direct
substituted service if satisfied that the circumstances so warrant.
It is effected in any manner the court may direct, such as newspaper
publication, posting of the subject matter of the dispute on the notice
board of the court or leaving the process with an adult at the last known
place of abode of the party or in other manner the court may direct.

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 • Proof of service
Service must always be proved by the bailiff or other officer of the court
in a manner provided by the rules. An affidavit of service on production
is prima facie evidence of service. [See Order 4 rule 6 (2) of CI 59]

PLAINTIFF OUT OF JURISDICTION

The provision of service address is indispensable in order for parties to receive
due notice of processes. Accordingly where a plaintiff acts by another person
because he is out of the jurisdiction he shall indicate a service address within
the jurisdiction, where notices or other papers issuing from the count may be
served on the plaintiff. (See Order 10 of CI 59)

VENUE AND TRANSFER

Issues of venue and transfer are subject to section 104 of the Courts Act (1993,
Act 459) which empowers the Chief Justice to transfer one suit from one court
to another.

The following actions shall be commenced at the underlisted venues;

a. Immovable property – the district in which the property or part of it is
situated.
b. Destrained or seized moveables – the district in which destraint or
seizure took place.
c. Recovery of penalty or forfeiture against a public officer – district where
the cause of action arises.
d. Specific performance or breach of contract -
• The district in which the contract ought to have been performed
• Or where the defendant resides or carries on business
e. Any other matter – the district in which defendant resides or carries on
business
f. Where two defendants reside in different districts – in any of the
districts. (See Order 5 of CI 59)

TRANSFER
a. Transfers may be effected when:
i. The defendant objects to the jurisdiction before or at the time
the plaintiff’s case commences.
ii. The court reports to a supervising judge of the High Court and
the supervising judge orders the transfer.

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 b. In case of two actions on the same subject matter with substantially the
same parties pending in two different districts, the supervising judge
shall on being informed decide the venue;
c. In the following cases the magistrate may despite objections to
jurisdiction, assume jurisdiction for good reasons stated:-
• Action for maintenance
• Child custody
• Paternity or other matrimonial cause
• Adoption

PARTIES
Parties in litigation are usually referred to as the plaintiff and defendant. The
plaintiff must be clothed with capacity at the time the writ is issued. Capacity
relates to the legal ability of the individual or entity to sue or be brought to
court. (See Black’s Law Dictionary 6th Edition, pg. 207). However, the plaintiff
may sue or the defendant may be sued in a representative capacity.

Who should be parties in actions founded on the following:

a. Contract
The parties to the contract as are gleaned from the terms of the contract

b. Tort
The person who alleges that a tort has been committed against him or
the person in possession of the land on which the alleged tort took place
is the proper plaintiff.

c. Actions in respect of Land matters

i. Recovery of possession of land
ii. The plaintiff will be the one who lays claim to possession of the land
at the material time. The defendant is any one against whom such a
claim is made.
iii. Declaration of title to land
iv. The plaintiff is the person who seeks an order of declaration of title
to the land. The defendant is the person against whom such an order
is sought.

d. Declaration of a right
The parties who seek a formal pronouncement (declaration) or
interpretation that they have a right or an interest in the subject matter
without seeking enforcement

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 e. Suits by infants and the mentally challenged
These are instituted by the next friend as plaintiff or defended by a
guardian ad litem as defendant.
a. 3rd Party Proceedings

A defendant who claims that upon judgment being given against him
he is entitled to be indemnified or entitled to contribution from a third
party may join such a person as a third party.

JOINDER, NON JOINDER AND MISJOINDER OF PARTIES

Unless otherwise provided for by statute, all persons with a common claim or
defence to an action may be joined in one action as plaintiffs or defendants. The
rationale is to prevent multiplicity of suits, save time and ensure that justice is
done. The person’s presence should be necessary to ‘ensure that all matters
in dispute in the proceedings are effectively and completely determined and
adjudicated upon…’

Non joinder or misjoinder is not fatal to a case. The Court can order the joinder
of a necessary party or strike out a person improperly joined at any stage of the
proceedings either suo motu or upon application. (The discretion to strike out
****** should be exercised sparingly).

CHANGE OF PARTIES BY DEATH OR BANKRUPTCY

Death or bankruptcy does not always abate a cause of action. Where the action
is not abated, the proceedings cannot continue in respect of the deceased
party until the necessary substitution is done. The court upon application ex
parte may substitute the person to whom the deceased’s interest or liability
is assigned. Upon service, the intended party has fourteen days to apply for a
discharge or variation of the order. [See Order 9 rule 15 (4) of CI 59]

• Where the plaintiffs sue jointly or the defendants are jointly sued, the
death of one of them will not affect the proceedings. The cause of action
will survive.

• Where a sole plaintiff dies and a legal representative does not apply to
be substituted, within a reasonable time, the court may upon application
by the defendant order the legal representative to be joined or order the
suit struck out with costs. All proceedings prior to the substitution remain
valid.

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ATTENDANCE OF PARTIES
Parties may be permitted to appear by proxy where the court is satisfied
with the authority of the proxy. A party, his solicitor or agent may do any act
specified by the rules. (See Order 11).

ORDER TO ARREST ABSCONDING DEFENDANT

Where a plaintiff’s claim is in excess of Gh¢ 4500 (Four thousand, five hundred
Ghana cedis)- and the defendant is about to leave the country, the plaintiff
may upon an application ex parte seek an order from the court for the arrest
of the defendant to show cause before the court why he should not be made
to provide sufficient security for any judgment or order against him. The court
is duty bound to investigate the plaintiff’s claim that defendant intends to
abscond before making the order. The plaintiff’s affidavit is not sufficient. This
is a discretion to be exercised sparingly. One has to weigh the embarrassment
to a defendant who might be arrested and the possibility that a judgment
obtained by the plaintiff would be rendered nugatory.

Upon his arrest, if the defendant fails to show cause, the court may order the
defendant to provide good and sufficient security or bail for the satisfaction
of any judgment that may be given against the defendant in the action. Failing
this, the court can commit him into custody for a maximum of 21 days during
which the matter should be heard. The plaintiff pays for the upkeep of the
defendant in advance to the prison authorities. Failure to do this will lead to his
release. The court must guard against being misused by the plaintiff to ‘teach
the defendant a lesson’. It is always prudent to order that when the defendant
is arrested and the courts have closed for the day, he should be taken to the
nearest Police Station for him to be bailed. However, the case of THE REPUBLIC
V. HIGH COURT (FAST TRACK DIVISION), ACCRA, EX PARTE P.P.E. LTD and
PAUL JURK (UNIQUE TRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD) INTERESTED PARTY
(2007 - 2008) SCGLR 188 has clearly determined that no person ought to be
imprisoned for non-payment of ajudgment debt and this casts doubts on the
continuous use of the imprisonment aspect of the above procedure. (See Order
12 of CI 59)

ARREST OF ABSCONDING DEFENDANT

1. A successful plaintiff must be able to execute his judgment without
delay or obstruction. Therefore where the plaintiff’s claim is over
GH¢4,500.00 (Four thousand, five hundred Ghana cedis) he may at any
time in any of the following cases apply ex parte (in Form 6 of the first
schedule) for the defendant to give security to satisfy the judgment:
• Where the defendant has disposed of or removed a substantial
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 part of the property.
• Defendant is about to leave the country.
• The action is a matrimonial cause.
The court if satisfied may issue a warrant to bring the defendant before the
court to give security to satisfy any judgment or order that may be given
against him. (See Order 12 of CI 59)

DEPOSIT IN LIEU OF SECURITY

The court may accept from the defendant a deposit of money or other valuable
property sufficient to satisfy the plaintiff’s claim and costs. (See order 12 rule
3 of CI 59)

WRITTEN STATEMENTS OF CLAIM AND DEFENCE

These are called pleadings in the superior courts. With the exception of the
following, cases in the district courts shall be heard summarily; but for stated
reason (which must include expediency and interest of justice), the court may
at any stage of the proceedings, order Written Statements in actions of:
• Probate and Administration
• Defamation
• Adoption
• Negligence

The registrar can be ordered to assist illiterate parties who are not represented
by Counsel to reduce their claim into writing. The magistrate has to verify the
content of the written statement. Written statements are to state concisely all
material facts to be relied on by the party. They must contain the relief sought,
deny specific allegations, and set up specific defences such as fraud.
Set off or counterclaims are to be pleaded (stated). [(See the case of Hanna
Assi (No. 2) vrs. Gihoc Refrigeration and Household Products Ltd. (2007-2008)
SCGLR 16]

All this notwithstanding the defendant may lead evidence to dispute a claim
or support a defence not stated in a written statement unless the court is
of the opinion that such evidence ought to have been specifically pleaded, is
inconsistent with the defence filed, will take the plaintiff by surprise or raise
new issues.

Written statements are to be filed and served at a time and in a manner

directed by the court. (See Order 18 of CI 59)

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AMENDMENT
Trials in the district court being summary, pleadings are usually not filed so
the need to amend does not arise. However, when the court orders written
statements the need to apply for leave to amend may arise. (See Order 19 of
CI 59)

WHO CAN APPLY FOR AMENDMENT?

The court may grant an amendment on its own motion or on application
by either party and at any stage of the proceedings. It is irrelevant that the
applicant is responsible for the error or lapse sought to be corrected. The court
has the discretion to allow an amendment immediately an application is made.

PURPOSE OF AMENDMENTS
The purpose as with all other functions of the court is to do justice by
eliminating statements that tend to prejudice, embarrass, or delay the fair trial
of the action and ensure that the real issue in controversy between the parties
is determined.

PRINCIPLES FOR THE GRANT OF LEAVE TO AMEND

Bowen LJ stated the principle aptly in Cropper and Smith1884 26 Ch D 700 as
follows:
“I think it is a well established principle that the object of courts is
to decide the rights of parties and not to punish them for mistakes
which they make in the conduct of their cases by deciding otherwise
than in accordance with their rights. I know of no kind of error or
mistake which if not fraudulent or intended to overreach, the court
ought not to correct, if it can be done without injustice to the other
party. Courts do not exist for the sake of discipline, but for the
sake of deciding matters in controversy and I do not regard such
amendment as a matter of favour or grace……It seems to me that
as soon as it appears that the way in which a party has framed his
case will not lead to a decision of the real matter in controversy, it
is as much a matter of right on his part to have it corrected, if it can
be done without injustice as anything else in the case is a matter of
right.”

Leave is usually granted to amend a pleading (written statement) to bring it in

line with evidence led where no prejudice will be occasioned. The court should
ensure that an amendment allowed after evidence has been taken will not lead
to the party re opening his case.

Leave should not be granted if:

• The application is brought mala fide

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 • Injustice to the respondent cannot be compensated by costs
• The amendment sought is immaterial i.e. not essential for the
determination of the matter in controversy
• Fraud is being introduced at a late stage

EFFECT OF AMENDMENT
It takes effect not from the date it is made but the date of the original written
statement. The original pleadings as they stood no longer determine the issues
between the parties. For example, where an amended written statement
of defence leaves out a counterclaim in the original pleading statement of
denfence, it will be deemed to have been abandoned.

DISMISSAL OF SUIT ON GROUNDS OF LAW

Where a defendant has a legal or equitable defence to the suit such that even if
the allegations of the plaintiff were admitted or established the plaintiff would
not be entitled to judgment, the defendant may apply to the court by motion
to dismiss the suit without requiring him to answer questions of fact.
Such a situation may arise where a case is forbidden by any particular law, for
example, an action which is statute barred, or a case based on a void contract,
or an overruled precedent, or exceeds the jurisdiction of the court, or where
the case discloses no cause of action.
• A dismissal under this rule (i.e. order 16 of CI 59) being on grounds
of law, does not permit or allow a discussion of the facts. Indeed the
defendant/applicant should be taken as having admitted the truth of
the plaintiff’s allegations of facts.
• If the motion succeeds, the court dismisses the suit, otherwise the
defendant is ordered to answer the plaintiff’s allegations of fact.

PAYMENT INTO COURT

A defendant in an action for debt or damages may at any time after service of
the writ of summons on him make payment in satisfaction of the claim directly
into court by notice in writing as in Form 10 or 10(A) of the First schedule of
CI 59. If there are several causes of action, the notice shall specify the cause of
action in respect of which payment is made and shall state whether liability is
admitted or denied.

• The plaintiff has to acknowledge the notice in writing within 3 (three)

days of receipt.
• The defendant may accept the payment into court in full satisfaction of
the claim and apply by motion for payment out of court.
• When the court hears the motion, it may stay further proceedings
wholly or in part and consider costs and other matters as it considers
just

19
 • If the action was for libel or slander, the court may permit the plaintiff
to make a statement in open court in terms approved by the court.
• A failure of the plaintiff to accept the money is to be construed as a
claim for indebtedness which is greater than the sum paid into court. In
such a case, the court in determining the suit should consider the fact of
the payment into court and its refusal, in awarding costs.
• In respect of estate matters, a person who desires to make payment or
deposit anything in court may do so upon notice to all persons affected
by the proceedings.

The defendant may also tender the sum of money claimed in debt or damages
personally to the plaintiff.
• If the plaintiff refuses to accept the sum, the defendant may put up a
defence of tender before trial, by paying the sum of money tendered
into court. [See Order 17 (1) (4) of CI 59]
• If this defence is not pleaded, the fact that money has been paid into
court is not to be inserted in the pleadings nor that fact made known
to the court at the trial until the question of liability and amount of the
debt or damages has been decided. – [See Order 17 Rule (2) of CI 59]

UNDEFENDED SUITS
Placing of a suit on the Undefended List is the court’s prerogative
• Procedure
A plaintiff who wishes to place a suit on this list has to attach to the writ an
affidavit and all supporting documents to the claim with the affidavit stating
the plaintiff’s belief that the defendant has no defence to the action. If satisfied
by these, the court then places it on the undefended list.

Upon service, a defendant who has partial or a full defence to the action shall
at least five days to the hearing file an affidavit with supporting documents
setting out the said defence.

Where the court is satisfied either by affidavit evidence or oral evidence on oath
that the defendant indeed has a defence, it shall cause the suit to be entered on
the general list for hearing. If not so satisfied, the court shall proceed to give
judgment for the plaintiff either wholly or in part without a trial.

The situation is the same where one defendant has a good defence and the
other does not.

Notwithstanding a failure to file an affidavit disclosing a defence on the merits

on time, the Court may at any time before Judgment permit the filing of such
an affidavit.

20
The Court may require oral evidence from the Plaintiff if it deems it fit
notwithstanding the fact that a suit is on the undefended list. This is necessary
where claims for damages have to be proved. (See Order 8 of CI 59)

INTERLOCUTORY PROCEEDINGS
Interlocutory Applications

General Principles
• Made in the course of pending proceedings
• There must be a substantive action pending
• Reliefs sought must be within ambit of the substantive case
• They terminate with the conclusion of the case or appeal
• Should not be used to prejudge substantive suit.
• Usually determined by affidavit evidence but oral evidence imperative
where there is a conflict on material facts deposed to by the parties on
a crucial issue in the affidavits
• The application is made on notice unless otherwise stated by the rules
or in the case of a real emergency.
• When made ex-parte, it must be repeated within 10 days on notice
failing which it lapses. (See Order 13 rule 7 of CI 59)

Orders which may be sought upon an interlocutory application

a. Interlocutory injunction and interim injunction
b. Interim preservation of property
i. Order for sale of perishable goods
ii. Order for detention, preservation or inspection of property
iii. Power to order samples to be taken
c. Order to arrest absconding defendant (Order 13 of CI 59)

INTERLOCUTORY AND INTERIM INJUNCTIONS

An interlocutory injunction seeks to maintain the status quo pending the final
determination of the case. Interim injunctions restrain a party till a named
date, usually for a short period and in cases of emergency. Due to the urgency,
it may be applied for ex- parte.

It is mandatory for the court to require an undertaking for damages before

granting an interlocutory injunction where one party opposes the application.
The purpose of this is to provide a means of recovering the losses, if any,
suffered by the one who opposes it.

It is to be borne in mind that the court always has discretion to conduct an

early and expeditious trial instead of granting an interlocutory injunction.

21
INTERIM PRESERVATION OF PROPERTY
Sale of Perishable Goods
The court may after making such an order upon an application on notice to
prevent spoilage order that the money realized from sales be paid into Court
to preserve its value in monetary terms. Unless both parties agree, it is always
prudent to let an independent person conduct the sale.

ORDER FOR DETENTION, PRESERVATION OR INSPECTION OF PROPERTY

These orders apply to physical things and are usually necessary for the security
of the goods, the subject matter of dispute. They are made to save them from
perishing. The order should not attempt to state who has title to the goods.
It will amount to prejudging the issue before the trial. The court may also
order samples of the subject matter to be taken for the purpose of obtaining
evidence.

PROCEEDINGS AT TRIAL
This order deals with attendance of the parties at the trial, adjournments, the
order of giving evidence and exhibits.

ATTENDANCE AT TRIAL
• If an action is called for trial and all the parties are absent, the action
may be struck off the trial list.
• If the plaintiff attends but the defendant does not, the defendant’s
counterclaim if any, may be dismissed and the plaintiff allowed to prove
the claim.
• If the defendant attends but the plaintiff is absent, plaintiff’s claim may
be dismissed and the defendant allowed to prove the counterclaim if
any.
• It is to be noted that any such judgment given in the absence of a
party may be set aside or varied on an application brought within 14
(Fourteen) days after the trial. [See Order 25 Rule (1) & (2) of CI 59]

ADJOURNMENTS
Adjournments are at the discretion of the court. However, in exercising that
discretion the court must have in mind the keynote objective of the rules as
stated in Order 1 rule 1(2) of CI 59. The rule provides that the rules of procedure
are to be interpreted and applied in a manner that helps to achieve speedy and
effective justice, avoid delays and unnecessary expense, ensure that as far as
possible, all matters in dispute between the parties are completely, effectively
and finally determined, and to avoid multiplicity of proceedings.

22
It is also to be noted that under the audi alteram partem rule of natural justice,
no man is to be condemned unheard. Therefore, if a party has not had notice
of trial, the trial must be adjourned in order that notice is served on the party.
The rules and principles relating to attendance at trial and adjournment if
strictly employed by magistrates will ensure effective case management.
Lawyers must not be allowed to dictate the pace of trials. Adjournments must
be strictly regulated and granted only when the court considers it necessary in
the interest of justice. The powers given to a magistrate in Order 25 rule 1 (1) to
strike the action off the trial list or to dismiss for failure to attend court must
be exercised to forestall unnecessary requests for adjournments. (See order 25
of CI 59 )
Relevant Authorities:
Lagudah vs. Ghana Commercial Bank (2005-2006) SCGLR 388 at 394
Rep. vs. High Court, (Fast Track Division) ex-parte State Housing Co. Ltd (No. 2)
(2009) SCGLR 185 at 190)
Rep. vs. High Court ex-parte Sian Goldfields Ltd (2009) SCGLR 204

Case and time management entails that the magistrate organizes his time
table, the number of cases set down for hearing, have stale cases which clog
his cause list removed, not devote too much time to one case at the expense
of others, not allow lawyers to play to the gallery, and any other action that
ensures an efficient use of his court time.

THE ORDER OF GIVING EVIDENCE

The general rule is that witnesses have to be examined orally in open court. The
order of giving evidence is as follows;

a. The plaintiff opens by giving evidence on his own behalf or through a

representative.
b. Where one plaintiff testifies on behalf of other plaintiff, that fact must
be stated.
c. The defendant cross examines the plaintiff if he chooses to.
d. The plaintiff may be re-examined by his lawyer. Re-examination is
usually limited to matters arising from cross-examination for the first
time, or to clarify matters which have been left in doubt after cross-
examination.
e. The plaintiff calls his other witnesses, if any to testify, who may also be
cross-examined and re-examined.
f. The plaintiff closes his case.
g. After a witness has been discharged after giving evidence, he may be
recalled; for good reason (section 79 of Evidence Act 323)
h. The defendant opens his case if he elects to adduce evidence. He gives
evidence on his own behalf or on behalf of the parties he represents.

23
 i. The plaintiff may cross-examine the defendant.
j. The defendant may be re-examined
k. The defendant may also call witnesses who may be cross examined and
re-examined.
l. The defendant closes his case
m. Where there are two or more defendants who appear separately or are
separately represented, they and their witnesses also take their turn to
adduce evidence if they elect to do so.
n. If the parties are not represented by lawyers then the court adjourns the
case to a date for judgment.
o. If the parties are represented by lawyers, their lawyers may address the
court before judgment is given.
p. The order for addresses is as follows:
• If the defendant calls no evidence then the plaintiff addresses first.
• If the defendant calls evidence, then he loses the right to have the last
word.
His lawyer has to address the court first, and the plaintiff (or the party who
begun) has the last word.

Under order 25 rule 5 of CI 59, the above order of proceedings may be varied
by the court as necessary where pleadings have not been filed, or the parties
or either of them is not capable of understanding the effect of the written
pleading. The court may in such a situation, hear the defendant’s statement
of defence immediately after the plaintiff’s statement of claim before any
witnesses are examined.

EXHIBITS
Exhibits may be tendered by the parties themselves, by their witnesses or
through their opponents.

When exhibits are admitted in evidence, the court clerk takes charge of them
and marks or labels each exhibit with a letter or a number.

An exhibit tendered at trial is not to be given out to any of the parties or taken
out of the registry, except by order of the court but shall be kept at the registry
of the trial court until the time limited for appeal has expired.

Where an appeal is lodged, the exhibits are forwarded to the High Court
together with the record of proceedings. Usually, the plaintiff’s exhibits are
marked with the alphabet and the defendant’s with numerals. Rejected exhibits
are marked ‘R’ and exhibits tendered by court witnesses are marked ‘CW’. (See
Order 25 rule 7 & 8 of CI 59)

24
EVIDENCE GENERALLY
The Evidence Act, 1975 (NRCD 323) is the primary relevant enactment which
provides for the general rules of evidence and other matters relating to the
giving of evidence in courts.

Order 26 of CI 59 is subject to the Constitution, the Evidence Act and any

other relevant enactment and deals with the general rule that witnesses must
be examined orally. It also deals with evidence by affidavit, the limitation
of expert evidence, reception of official documents in evidence, the form
and issue of witness summons and the amendment, service, and duration of
witness summons. The rule in summary provides that:
1. The court may grant an application for a person to give evidence by
affidavit, but may order that person to attend for cross-examination.
2. The number of expert witnesses like medical officers may be limited by
the court.
3. A document purporting to be sealed with the seal of an office or
department is an official document and is to be received in evidence
without further proof. Likewise, a copy of such a document shall be
presumed to be an office copy and is receivable in evidence without
further proof unless the contrary is shown.
4. A witness summons is a document issued by the court requiring a
witness to attend court to give evidence or to produce a document to
the court. [See Form 17 of the first schedule of C. I. 59]. It is issued
and sealed at the registry of the court upon a request in Form 18 which
states the name and address of the party or the lawyer making the
request.
a. The witness summons is to be served personally within 12 weeks
of the date of its issue otherwise service is not valid.
b. The summons continues to have effect after service until the
conclusion of the trial in respect of which the attendance of the
witness was required.

DELAY AND DISCONTINUANCE

It is the duty of parties, their lawyers and the court to avoid unnecessary
adjournments and other delays and ensure that matters are disposed of as
speedily as the justice of the case permits. The following steps are provided to
curtail delays:

1. A party who wishes to proceed where six months has elapsed since the
last step was taken, must give to every other party 28 days notice of
intention to proceed.

25
 2. Where no step has been taken in the matter for 12 months, the court
may strike out a matter on application by the Registrar after 14 days
notice to the parties.
3. Upon an application by a party, the court shall strike out the action as
discontinued subject to the award of costs.
4. Discontinuance means that the entire claim is abandoned, and a
withdrawal means the termination of a part of the claim.
5. Discontinuance or a withdrawal does not abate a counterclaim.
6. Discontinuance or a withdrawal is not a defence to a subsequent action
7. Where a party who has discontinued or withdrawn a case subsequently
brings an action for the same or substantially the same cause of action,
that action may upon application be stayed until costs awarded in the
discontinued action are paid. (see Order 27 of CI 59)

JUDGMENT
Generally, all decisions and judgments of the court shall be delivered in open
court, except for stated reasons.

a. A JUDGMENT is the court’s final determination of the rights and

obligations of the parties in a case. It is a final judgment or order if it
determines the principal matter in question and the rights of parties.
b. An INTERLOCUTORY JUDGMENT is a judgment which does not deal
with or determine the final rights of the parties {see Republic v High
Court (Fast Track Division), exparte State Housing Company (2009)
SCGLR 187}.

The DECISION comprises the conclusion of the court on the

merits of the respective cases of the parties. It is rendered by
a declaration that a party has succeeded or failed. A decision
disposes of the whole matter by a finding on the disputed facts
and an application of the law to the facts so found.

A RULING is the decision of the court given on a motion, an

application, an interlocutory issue, or preliminary objection
relating to a disputed question of law. It may also determine the
suit without a trial being gone through.

An ORDER is a direction of the court or command issued by the

court for something to be done or for a party or a witness to
refrain from doing something.

c. Parties are deemed to have notice of the decision or judgment of the

court if it is pronounced at the hearing, and the parties have been served

26
 with notice to attend, whether they in fact attend or not. [see Order 28
rule 3 of CI 59]
d. The court has a duty to deliver judgment as soon as possible after the
close of each case, but in any event, the rules require judgment to be
delivered not later than four weeks after the close of the case. [see
Order 28 rule 1 (2) of CI 59]

If judgment is not delivered within the four week period, then the
magistrate must inform the Chief Justice in writing within seven days
after its expiration, stating reasons for the delay and the date on which
the court proposes to deliver the judgment.

Note that a party to the suit may also notify the Chief Justice if judgment
is not delivered within the period of four weeks, and request a date to be
fixed for the delivery of judgment.
The Chief Justice on the receipt of a notice may fix a date for the delivery
of judgment, and the court must ensure that judgment is delivered on
that date.

e. Judgment is said to be “reserved” when the court pronounces its

decision without assigning the reasons leading to the decision. Parties
shall be served with notice to attend and hear the reasons for the
judgment unless the court gave a date for this at the time judgment
was pronounced. Reserving the reasons for judgment must be avoided
unless it is absolutely necessary.
f. Minutes of every judgment, whether final or interlocutory is to be made.
Such minutes are a decree of the court and have the full force and effect
of a formal decree.
g. A party to the suit may apply for a formal decree to be drawn up and this
shall be done as in form 19 of the first schedule of CI 59.
h. Where there is a set-off or counterclaim and the defendant is granted
the set-off or counterclaim, the judgment must state the amount due to
the plaintiff and due to the defendant.
g. The court may at the time of giving judgment, or making an order or at
any time afterwards upon application by a party direct the time within
which a payment is to be made or an act done. The court may also order
the payment of interest at the same rate as a High Court may order in
the circumstance.
i. The award of interest is governed by the Court (Award of Interest and
Post Judgment) Rules, 2005 C.I. 52. It provides that in a civil cause or
matter, if a court decides to make an order for the payment of interest
on a sum of money due to a party, that interest shall be calculated at the
bank rate prevailing at the time the order is made and at simple interest
unless otherwise agreed. This is referred to as the statutory interest

27
 rate. Generally, each judgment debt shall bear interest at the statutory
interest rate from the date of delivery of the judgment up to the date
of final payment, unless the transaction which results in the judgment
debt was by an agreement which specified the rate of interest and the
particular manner in which it was to be calculated.
j. When the losing party is served with the Decree or order to pay money
or do any other act, it is to be obeyed without further demand. If a
time for performance is not specified, the person is bound to obey it
immediately unless he applies, and the court enlarges the time by a
subsequent order.
k. The court may at the time of giving judgment, or at any time afterwards,
for sufficient reason, order that the payment of money be made by
instalment, with interest.
l. Magistrates must however ascertain that they have the necessary
jurisdiction to make this order if the application is brought subsequent
to the delivery of the judgment. The general rule is that a trial court
becomes functus officio when there is a pending appeal to an appellate
court.
m. Where payment by instalment is ordered, there can be no execution
until after a default. It is also to be noted that where there is a default,
execution cannot be levied for the whole sum unless the order was
subject to “a default clause” and upon notice to the court. (See Order
28 of CI 59)

CIVIL APPEALS
A party aggrieved by a judgment of a District Court in a civil case may appeal to
the High Court – See s.21 (2) of Act 459 as amended by Act 620.
An appeal against a substantive decision which is as of right must be filed
within three (3) months from the day the final decision was delivered. – See
Order 51 rule 3(1) of CI 47.

INTERLOCUTORY APPEALS
Appeals against interlocutory orders or decisions of the District Court lie to the
High Court with the leave of the trial court or the High Court - See s. 21(2) of
Act 459 as amended by Act 620.

Interlocutory appeals should be filed within fourteen (14) days of the order –
See Order 51 rule 3(2) of CI 47.

28
Where the District Court refuses leave, and special leave is sought to appeal to
the High Court, the special leave must be filed within fourteen (14) days from
the date the District Court refused to grant the leave to appeal – See Order 51
rule 3(3) of CI 47.

EXTENSION OF TIME TO APPEAL IN CIVIL CASES

An application for extension of time within which to appeal out of time in civil
cases should be brought within one month after the expiration of the three (3)
months allowed for filing civil appeals – See Ord. 51 rule 4 (2) of CI 47. Such
application should be on notice and must give good and substantial reasons.

COSTS
Costs are at the discretion of the court and may be awarded to the successful
party after the event. Notwithstanding the above, the court may order the
successful party to pay the costs of a particular proceeding. (See Order 7 of CI
59)

SECURITY FOR COSTS

In appropriate cases the court may order a plaintiff or defendant counterclaimant
to provide security for costs. (See Order 7 rule 2 of CI 59)
Costs may be ordered to be paid out of any fund or property to which the suit
relates. (See Order 7 rule 4 of CI 59).

POWER OF REVIEW
Within 14 days after the delivery of a judgment, a party may apply by motion
on notice for a review of that judgment.

• An application for a review may be brought where either party has

obtained leave to appeal or a reference has been made on a special case
and the appeal or the reference has not been withdrawn.
• Such an application shall not be entertained after 14 days unless the
applicant files an application for special permission of the court within
30 days of the expiration of the 14 days.
• The power of review is exercisable only upon application.
• An erroneous view of the law is not a sufficient reason for a review.
The trial judge cannot reconsider a point of law. (See Yanney vs.
African Veneer [1960] GLR 89).
• A judgment can be reviewed when new and important evidence or
matter is discovered which could not have earlier been discovered or

29
 on account of an error apparent on the face of the record.
• An application for review does not operate as a stay of execution unless
the court so orders. An order that the application is to operate as a stay
of execution may be made on terms such as the provision of security for
satisfaction or performance of the judgment.
• Any monies paid into court in the action are to be retained until the
motion for review is determined. A magistrate may in the review open
and hear the case wholly or in part and take fresh evidence, reverse, vary
or confirm the previous judgment or decision.

PROBATE AND ADMINISTRATION
Jurisdiction
The district court has power to deal with applications for probate or letters of
administration within its jurisdiction.

Section 47(1) (g) of the Courts Act 1993, Act 459 states that;
“in an application for the grant of probate or letters of administration
in respect of the estate of a deceased person, and in [causes and
matters] relating to succession to property of a deceased person,
who had at the time of death a fixed place of abode within the area
of jurisdiction of the District Court and the value of the estate or
property in question does not exceed ten million cedis;”

The district court also has jurisdiction to grant probate or letters of
administration where the deceased has property, whether movable or
immovable located in its area of jurisdiction.

Where the deceased has property within the jurisdiction of more than one
court, the application for probate or letters of administration shall be made
to only one of the courts in respect of all the properties, but notice has to
be given to the registrar of every court which has jurisdiction over the area
where property of the deceased is located. The district court cannot apply the
Administration of Estates Act. The only legislation they can apply in this regard
is C.1. 59.

A. Probate

A PROBATE is a document issued under the seal of the court as official evidence
of the authority of an executor of the will of a deceased. Where the validity
of the will is disputed, probate is granted only after the court has pronounced
in favour of the executors in “solemn form”. A person who claims to have an
interest in the estate of the deceased may request proof of the will in solemn
form, or the executors themselves may if they consider it necessary commence

30
an action by writ asking the court to pronounce the will valid and admitted to
probate. [Order 31 rule 26 of CI 59]

Instead of the interested party requesting the will to be proved in solemn form,
he may issue a writ against the executor for a declaration that the will is invalid.
• When the will appears regular on the face of it and there is no dispute as
to its validity, probate is granted in “common form” [Rule 25 of CI 59]
• The court may on its own motion or on application of a person who has
an interest in the will give notice to the executors named in the will to
come and prove the will or renounce probate [See Rule 7 of CI 59]
• A person who is not the executor of a will but takes possession or
deals with the property of the deceased, or an executor who takes
possession of, and administers or deals with any part of the property
of the deceased and does not apply for probate within three (3) months
commits the offence of “intermeddling with property” [See Rules 3 and
4 of CI 59]

B. Letters Of Administration

Where the deceased died intestate, the proper application for authority to deal
with the estate is by Letters of Administration. The Intestate Succession Act,
1985 (PNDCL 111) has codified the persons entitled to a share of the estate of
the deceased intestate.

The orders of priority of grant are:

a. surviving spouse;
b. surviving children;
c. a surviving parent;
d. customary successor of the deceased.

The number of persons to whom a grant may be made is not to exceed four (4)
unless any relevant enactment provides otherwise.

The person to whom administration is granted has to execute a bond as set out
in Forms 34 of the First schedule.

If a person who has not been appointed by the court to administer the estate
of the deceased takes possession of or deals with the property, that person is
subject to the same obligation and liability as an administrator and commits
the offence of “intermeddling with property”.

C. Letters Of Administration With Will Annexed

The named executors in the will of a deceased are entitled to grant of probate.

31
However when the executors renounce or fail to take probate or pre-decease
the testator, any person interested in the estate of the deceased may apply for
letters of administration with will annexed.

The order of priority of persons entitled to grant of probate or letters of

administration with will annexed are stated in Order 31 rule 12 (3) of C I 59. A
specific legatee, devisee, creditor or the personal representative of any of these
persons has a superior right except that administration shall be given to a living
person in preference to the personal representation of a deceased person.
Letters of administration with will annexed is also granted in situations where
all the persons to whom probate may be granted have died without completing
administration. Grant is made in respect of the unadministered assets (de-
bonis non) to those entitled. (See rule 58, Order 31 of CI 59)

D. Administration

The person to whom administration is granted has to execute a bond as set out
in Forms 35 of the First schedule.

Administration actions are actions begun by writ of summons for the

determination of any question or relief which can be determined or granted
in any administrative action even if the question or relief does not involve a
claim for administration of the estate under the direction of the court, or an
execution under the direction of the court of a trust.

Administrative and similar actions are dealt with under rules 44, 45 and 46
of Order 31 of C I 59. The court may make an order for the full administration
of the estate of the deceased person or for the execution of a trust or give
directions as to the manner in which the estate shall be administered or the
trust executed.

THE PROCEDURE FOR APPLICATION for probate in common form and letters
of administration with or without will annexed are the same. It is by motion
ex-parte supported by an affidavit sworn to by the applicants.

PROBATE OF A WILL

1. In the case of probate of a will, the following documents must

accompany the application:

a. The original will (which must have been deposited in the High
Court) is to be inspected to find out whether it appears to
have been signed by the testator or by some other person in
the testator’s presence and at the testator’s direction, and

32
 whether it has been subscribed by two (2) witnesses. If the will
is properly signed and subscribed, then the attestation clause,
if any, is examined to see if the will was executed in accordance
with the Wills Act 1971, (Act 360). The will is also inspected for
interlineations, alterations, erasures and obliterations as these
are invalid unless they are made valid by the re-execution of the
will or by the subsequent execution of a codicil.
b. An affidavit of one of the subscribing witnesses in proof of the due
execution of the will. This affidavit verifying the signature of the
deceased is important especially where there is no attestation
clause or the attestation clause is insufficient.
c. A declaration of values of movable and immovable properties of
the deceased as set out in Form 22 of the First Schedule.
d. Oath of execution by the executors
e. Death certificate or a burial permit or certified copy thereof.

It is important to note that probate is not to be granted if the will was not
properly signed and subscribed, that is, executed in accordance with the Wills
Act, 1971, Act 360.

Where both subscribing witnesses are dead, the affidavit of another person
who was present at the execution of the will shall be accepted, or the court
may require proof of the handwriting of the deceased and the subscribing
witnesses. {See Order 31 Rule 18 (4)(5) of CI 59}

Where the testator was blind or illiterate, probate or letters of administration

with will annexed shall not be granted unless the court is satisfied by a JURAT
on the face of the will or by proof that the will was read over to the deceased
before its execution.

The court may also require the production of any document referred to in the
will to ascertain whether it is a constituent part of the will. [See Order 31 Rule
21 of C I 59]

Where the original will or codicil is lost, damaged or unobtainable, an

application may be made to the court to admit the will to proof as contained
in a copy draft or other admissible means such as a duly authenticated copy.
[Order 31 Rule 47of CI 59]

Where it is necessary for the preservation of the estate, the court may make a
grant pendente lite, that is, before those entitled to a grant of probate apply.
The application may be made ex parte by a creditor or a person who has an
interest in the estate.[ Order 31 Rules 56 and 57 of CI 59]

33
LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION
Documents required to be filed with the application for letters of administration
are:
a. Oath of administrators [not with Will annexed]
b. Declaration of values of movable and immovable property of the
intestate as set out in Form 22 of the First Schedule.
c. Death certificate or a burial permit or certified copy thereof.
d. Where it is required, an affidavit of the head of family deposing to the
appointment of the customary successor
The court may also require evidence of the identity of the applicants.

PERSONS RESIDENT OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION

Where the person entitled to grant of letters of administration is resident
outside the country, the grant may be made to the attorney of the person. A
power of attorney must be executed before a notary public and deposited at
the registry of the court. [See Order 31 Rule 48 of CI 59]

When the application is granted, notice as set out in Form 23 in the First
Schedule is required to be posted for a minimum of twenty-one days, or any
other period ordered by the court before the letters of administration are
issued. The notices are posted in the court where the application was made, in
any public place within the jurisdiction and at the last known place of abode of
the deceased. All persons entitled to a share of the estate of a deceased under
the Intestate Succession Law, 1985 (PNDCL 111) must whenever practical, or if
expedient, also be given notice. [See Order 31Rrule 10 CI 59]

MINORS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

Grant of probate or letters of administration shall not be made to a minor, that
is, a child under the age of eighteen (18) years. Where the person entitled to a
grant is a minor, the grant shall be made to the child’s guardian for the child’s
use and benefit. [See Order 31 Rule 49 & 50 of C I 59]

Likewise, a grant shall not be made to a person who by reason of mental or

physical disability is unable to manage his affairs, or a person serving a sentence
of imprisonment.

The grant may be made for that disabled person’s use to a person the court
considers fit or to the attorney of a person serving imprisonment for his use
and benefit.

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CAVEAT
A caveat is a notice filed by a person who claims to have an interest in the estate
of the deceased intended to prevent the grant of letters of administration
or probate without notice to him. It may be filed either before or after an
application has been made. It remains in force for three (3) months from the
date filed but may be renewed.

A caveat must be brought to the notice of the court by the registrar. The court
shall then direct the registrar to bring it to the notice of the applicant and shall
decline to take any further steps until the applicant ‘warns’ the caveator as
set out in Form 26, to file an affidavit stating the nature and particulars of the
caveator’s interest in the estate of the deceased.

If the warning is not obeyed, the applicant moves the court in respect of his
application. The court may however direct notice to be served on the caveator.
If the warning is obeyed, a copy of the caveators affidavit is served on the
applicant. The applicant then moves the court for the grant of the probate or
letters of administration.

The parties may agree at the hearing as to the persons to whom the grant shall
be made. If they come to agreement, the court removes the caveat from the
file. If they fail to come to agreement, the court may summarily determine
who is entitled to the grant or if necessary order the applicant to issue a writ
against the caveator to determine who is entitled to grant of probate or letters
of administration.

A Contentious probate matter as defined under Rule 32 means an action for

the grant of probate or letters of administration, or the revocation of the
grant of probate or letters of administration, or a judgment or order that
pronounces on the validity or otherwise of an alleged will. It is commenced by
a writ accompanied by a statement of claim. Appearance must be entered by
the defendant and a statement of defence filed within fourteen (14) days. The
defendant may also add a counterclaim for any relief or remedy he claims to be
entitled to. The plaintiff then sets down the action for trial.

Where grant of probate or letters of administration has been made, a writ for
the revocation of a grant shall not be issued unless a notice to bring in the
grant is given. That is, notice must be served on the person to whom probate or
letters of administration has been granted requiring him to lodge the probate
or letters of administration at the Registry of the court. (See Rules 29, 33, and
37 of CI 59)

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A judgment in default of appearance or in default of pleadings is not to be given
in a probate action. Unless the court strikes out the action, the party who is not
in default may apply to the court for leave to set down the action for trial after
the expiration of the period fixed for the filing of the pleading.

A probate action can only be discontinued with leave of the court. [See Order
31 Rule 11 of CI 59]

MATRIMONIAL APPLICATIONS
1. Jurisdiction:
The District Court has jurisdiction to deal with the following;
a. Divorce
b. Paternity
c. Custody of children;
d. Other matrimonial causes
e. Parentage
f. Custody
g. Access
h. Maintenance
i. Adoption [see Sections 47 (1) & 47 (2) of the Courts Act 459 as amended
by Section 35 of the Children’s Act, 1998 (Act 560)]
2. The appropriate forms for commencing these proceedings are specified
in the second schedule to the rules.
i. The proceedings in the Family Tribunal shall be conducted in
chambers.
3. The action is set down for trial within 14 (Fourteen) days after service
on the defendant. Where the defendant fails to respond within 14
(Fourteen) days after service of defendant’s form on the plaintiff, the
court may make any order(s) in the interest of justice whether asked for
or not. [See Order 32 Rule 5 (1) of C I 59]

ENFORCEMENT OF CUSTODY, ACCESS AND MAIN-

TENANCE ORDERS
Willful refusal to comply with the court’s orders may result in a contempt
action in the High Court. (See Order 32 of CI 59)

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RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS
a. A receiver is appointed to receive rent, income or other benefits from
the property in dispute. Unless he is also appointed a manager, a
receiver has no power to manage the property. The receiver has to open
a deposit account specifically for the receivership into which payment
of income or receipts shall be made.
• The court must direct the intervals or dates on which the receiver
is to submit his accounts to the court for auditing.

c. A manager is appointed to preserve property which is endangered for

the benefit of those entitled to it

d. A receiver or a manager stands in a fiduciary relationship with the court

which appointed him. He is required to provide security which may be
a bank guarantee or a deposit of title deeds to an immovable property
the value of which is not less than that of the property in dispute for the
due performance of the duties of that office.
• The receiver or manager has to keep proper books of account,
including bank accounts where outgoings and other payments
shall be made.
• Where there is a bank account, the court must appoint one
other person in addition to the receiver or manager to be joint
signatory to the account.
• There should be proper stocktaking before the manager takes
over the management of the business and before he is discharged.
e. The receiver or manager is entitled to a reasonable monthly
remuneration which is fixed by the court, but if he is a registrar of the
court, that remuneration shall not exceed his monthly salary, and shall
be paid into the consolidated fund. [See Order 20 of CI 59]
NB. The current view is that the practice of appointing registrars of the court
as receivers is not acceptable as the registrar is also the official designated to
monitor the performance of receivers.

EXECUTION OF JUDGEMENTS
This is a process by which a judgment (other than a declaratory one or one for
which there has been voluntary compliance) is enforced according to law. It
is usually against the property or person of the judgment debtor. Execution is
done by means of the various writs of execution or by orders of the court. (See
Order 21 of CI 59)

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GENERAL PRINCIPLES
i. Parties to execution are usually the judgment creditor and judgment
debtor although a person in whose favour an order is made is entitled to
enforce obedience through the process of execution. Again by leave of
court, execution may issue on behalf of a person not party to the suit. A
judgment which is made conditional on the doing of some act cannot be
executed if that act has not been done. Failure to do the act in the time
given will amount to an abandonment of the benefit of the judgment
unless the court otherwise directs.
ii. Time within which execution is to be levied is determined by the rules
although usually an order in a judgment should be complied with
without a demand to do so.
iii. A Judgment is to be enforced by the court which gave the original
judgment even when the final order comes from an appellate court.
iv. Except in cases where a judgment creditor has to seek the leave of the
court, the usual practice is to apply for the appropriate process from the
registrar.
v. A wrongful execution is not necessarily void. It depends on the
circumstances.
vi. The judgment creditor is usually liable for any wrongful or irregular acts
done on his behalf by the bailiff.

MODES OF EXECUTION
This is usually determined by the nature of the judgment and properties of the
judgment debtor available.

Enforcement of judgment for payment of money (other than money to be paid

into court) is done by one or more of the following:
• Writ of fieri facias
This is the most common of all writs of execution and it is usually called a ‘fifa’.
It is directed to the sheriff ordering him to seize and sell the judgment debtor’s
property. The proceeds are then used to satisfy the judgment debt. Execution
may first be directed against immovable property but shall be stayed if the
judgment debtor within 21 (Twenty one) days from the commencement of
execution provides information about his movable property sufficient to
satisfy the judgment debt. [See Order 22 rule 4 of I 59]
• Garnishee proceedings
A judgment creditor attaches or garnishees debts owed to the judgment debtor
by a third party in satisfaction of the judgment debt. The debt must be due or
accruing to the judgment debtor e.g. monies in his bank account.
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• Charging order
A judgment or order for the payment of money which is not a judgment or
order for the payment of money into court, may be enforced by a charging
order. It is a statutory procedure where an individual partner’s creditor can
satisfy its claim from the partner’s interest in a partnership. Magistrates do not
have jurisdiction in company governance matters so the judgment creditor will
have to enforce it in the High Court. [See Order 21 Rule 3(1) (c) of CI 59]

• Appointment of a Receiver
This appointment may be made by interlocutory order of the court and may
be applied for whether or not it was included in the writ or particulars of claim.
The registrar shall not manage the property unless the court appoints him as a
receiver or a manager.

Payment or receipt of income shall be made into a deposit account opened

specifically for the receivership.

There will be another signatory to the account in addition to the manager

appointed by the court. They will render an account of their stewardship at an
appointed time before the registrar and the parties. The receiver or manager
shall provide security e.g. bank guarantee, deposit of title deed of an immovable
property which is not less than the value of the property in dispute.

• Summons to Show Cause

This process has been abolished by virtue of the case of THE REPUBLIC V. HIGH
COURT (FAST TRACK DIVISION), ACCRA, EX PARTE P.P.E. LTD and PAUL JURK
(UNIQUE TRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES LTD) INTERESTED PARTY (2007 - 2008)
SCGLR 188. The case clearly determined that no person ought to be imprisoned
for non-payment of a judgment debt. From this decision and Practice Direction
dated 20th May, 2009, J4 vol. 6 no one can be imprisoned for non-payment
of debt. The judgment creditor has to resort to other processes of execution.
• An order of committal from the High Court.

ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT FOR POSSESSION OF

IMMOVABLE PROPERTY
• Writ of possession
It is addressed to the sheriff and commands him to enter the land and hand
possession of it to the judgment creditor. Leave of court is required for its
issuance. The court must be satisfied that the person in possession has notice
of the proceedings which resulted in the judgment to enable him apply for
relief if need be.

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ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT FOR DELIVERY OF
GOODS
• Writ of delivery and
• Writ of specific delivery

They are addressed to the sheriff ordering him to seize the goods in question
forthwith and deliver same to the judgment creditor. The writ may be for the
recovery of the goods or their assessed value or may be for the delivery of
specific goods simpliciter with leave of the court.

ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENT TO DO OR ABSTAIN

FROM DOING AN ACT
• Committal for contempt
The district court does not have power to commit for contempt. The aggrieved
person has to apply to the High Court for such an order.

• An order for the act to be done in the stead of and at the expense of the
disobedient party
The party who obtains the judgment or a person appointed by the court may
enforce a court order (at the expense of the disobedient party) if the latter fails
to do so.

The registrar by order of court may execute a deed in the stead of a disobedient
party. The deed will have the same validity as though it had been executed by
the said disobedient party. He is also liable for contempt of court. (See Order
21 Rule 6 & 7 of CI 59)

(iii) Where a person is obstructed from carrying out the execution process
he (the disobedient party) could be charged for obstruction of execution of a
duty contrary to Section 222 (b) of Act 29. The charge arises from the use of
violence with intent to deter a person from acting in execution of a duty as an
agent of a court (such as bailiff or auctioneer) from executing his duties in any
official capacity. See also section 110 of Act 459 which defines who is an agent
or officer of the court for the purpose of execution.

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INTERPLEADER PROCEEDINGS
There are two types of Interpleader proceedings-Stakeholder’s and
Sheriff’s.

Stakeholder’s Interpleader.
A person in possession of property or money, (the applicant) in which he has no
personal interest but which is being claimed by rival claimants and expecting
to be sued by them( the claimants) can issue interpleader proceedings by which
the rival claimants are summoned to court for the ownership of the property
to be determined as between them. The claims must be for the same property
or money.

SHERIFF’S INTERPLEADER
When the sheriff seizes property in the course of execution and another person
lays claim to them saying it does not belong to the judgment debtor, and the
judgment creditor disputes the claim, the sheriff commences interpleader
proceedings to determine who has a right to the goods. The interest by the
claimant may not be one of ownership. It may for instance be a claim by a Bank
that it has a charge over the goods.

When this interpleader application is made, execution is automatically stayed

although the sheriff still retains custody of the property seized. An interpleader
action must be brought before sale of the goods seized in execution, are sold.

MODE AND PROCEDURE OF INTERPLEADER SUIT

The application is made by motion on notice to the claimants.
The applicant must show, usually by affidavit that he has no interest in the
property and that he is not in collusion with any of the claimants.

A claimant who fails to hadhere to the above indicated steps will be deemed
to have abandoned the claim unless granted an extension of time by the court
and he and those who claim through him can be forever barred against the
applicant.
Upon appearance in court, the court may summarily decide the issue between
them if it is one of law or if they both consent or one of them so requests. In
the alternative, the court may have the issue between the parties stated and
decide who is to be plaintiff and defendant and have the issue tried. (See Order
14 of CI 59)

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TIME
Time fixed by the rules, judgment, order or directions shall be reckoned as
follows: Where an act is to be done;
a. Within a specified period after or from a specified date – the period
begins to run immediately after that date.
b. Within a specified period before a specified date – ends immediately
before that date.
c. Not later than a specified date – ends immediately before the end of the
specified date.
d. A specified number of clear days before or after a specified date – at
least that number of days shall intervene.
• Where time fixed is seven days or less, it shall exclude Saturdays,
Sundays or Public Holidays.

NON-WORKING DAYS
An act prescribed to be done on a non-working day shall be considered done
in time if done on the next working day following. The court may extend or
reduce time prescribed by the rules.

DEFINITION OF MONTH
Month unless the context otherwise requires means a calendar month. (See
Order 6 of CI 59)

REFERENCES

The District Court Rules, (C1 59)

The Supreme Court Practice (1993), Vol. 1 part 1, edited by Sweet & Maxwell

Civil Procedure in Nigeria by Fidelis Nwadialo

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